To: Duchess Industries

[aeris]

(Background)

Arris sat at his desk, looking at the response Private Holdings had recieved from Duchess Industries. This would be promising. This would be the beginning. Beginning of a future for some. Beginning of the end for others.

"Sofia..." arris murmured in a soft voice, with a smirk so slight you barely noticed it.

"Sofffiaaa..."

He let his fingers, stiched together from torn flesh and metallic adhesives, slide across the screenpad. A sensual and tender gesture, though this time producing screetching noises and long, elaborate scratch marks on the sturdy equipment.

"Sofia... You've propably forgotten, innocent that you are. I know you sleep well at night."

"Keep sleeping..." arris reduced his voice to a whisper, like he were comforting a daughter taking a nap.

Servos grinding arris' closing fist suddenly tore off a corner of his metal desk, causing a violent noise echo through the corridors and cavities of Yanagi base. He raised his humongous exobody, turned around and started heaving himself towards his ship, lesser Junkers cowering away from his path before him.

Soon it would be the time. Very soon.

We agree to your investment. Your stock certificates will be sent as soon as we recieve payment.

Each percentage point of stock you own gives you a single voice on our Board of Control. Board meetings are held every Thursday. You may attend from any DSE compatible secure terminal or in person on Planet Pittsburgh.

[DATA SECURE, DECRYPT WITH DUCHESS HIGH COMMAND KEY ONLY]

From: knoggelvi, PH, New York, Manhattan, C4
To: Lars Johansen, Duchess Industries, New York, Trenton, D4

WE APPRECIATE YOUR FAST RESPONSE. OUR DEBT HAS BEEN TRANSFERRED TO YOUR FLAGSHIP IN FULL. WE WISH YOU GREAT SUCCESS.

KNOGGELVI
MASTER CONTRACTOR
PRIVATE HOLDINGS, SCAC

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Case File: arris